tue 24-jun-08
A couple of Tatras in Skagway, Alaska.
One evening in August 2000 I noticed these two very strange cars parked on Broadway in exciting downtown Skagway. A town which is only marginally accessible by auto. At the time I ascertained that they were T87 Tatras. One from 1942 and the other from 1938. Fotos were snapped and the Tatra forgotten until this week.
Well, according to the internet - the T87:
Designed by Hans Ledwinka, the Czechoslovakian T87 Tatra was an extraordinary car. It debuted in 1937 and featured aerodynamic bodywork inspired by Zeppelin designer Paul Jaray and a rear mounted, overhead cam, air cooled V-8, making the car capable of 100 mile per hour speeds. It became a favorite of German officers during the occupation of Czechoslovakia. About 3,032 were built and less than 250 remain.
So, why on earth were two of them, in apparently fine condition being driven thru Alaska and the Yukon Territory? And no, they hadn't arrived via ferry.
Check out (Opens new window) my mini-web page that I found in with my 2000 Skagway photos.
